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Miss Hickory book cover

Miss Hickory

by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey, Ruth Chrisman Gannett

Paw Prints 2007-06-28 1978

★★★★☆

Great fit for 5th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

5th grade English
120
Pages
3
AR Points
2.2h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Newbery Medal

Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • friendship
  • resilience
  • resourcefulness
  • community
  • nature and seasons
  • belonging
  • independence

About this book

Miss Hickory is a tiny, stubborn doll with a hickory-nut head who lives by a New Hampshire farmhouse and must rely on her wits when winter arrives. As she meets woodland animals and navigates the changing seasons, she learns about friendship, resourcefulness, and finding her place. The cozy New England setting and gentle humor make this a charming classic for readers who like character-driven adventures. Best for independent readers who enjoy animal tales and classic fantasies.

Setting: rural New Hampshire farm and woods, early 20th-century New England through the seasons

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Miss Hickory right for my child?

Yes — Miss Hickory is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.9, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, resilience, resourcefulness.

How long does it take to read Miss Hickory?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Miss Hickory takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Miss Hickory have an AR quiz?

Yes — Miss Hickory has an AR quiz available, worth 3 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Miss Hickory?

Miss Hickory has an AR reading level of 5.9, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.